Q-Tip to Kick Off The Kennedy Center’s Inaugural Hip-Hop Culture Season

After being named the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts’ first artistic director of hip-hop culture back in March 2016, Q-Tip will kick off the venue's inaugural hip-hop culture season on October 6. Tip will be joined by Jason Moran, who also serves as the center’s artistic director of jazz, in what is expected to be a 75 minute performance.

“Goal number one is to provide a home for the culture: artists, organizations, and individuals interested in presenting hip-hop related programs,” Simone Eccleston, the Center's director of hip-hop culture and contemporary music, said in an interview with DCist. “One of the unique spaces we occupy is being able to provide a multi-faceted view. We can show hip-hop’s contribution to artistic areas across the board.”

The series features several forthcoming events including a B-boy and B-girl competition, a Wild Style film screening and discussion in honor of its 35th anniversary, and a live performance inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates‘ Between the World and Me.

While Tip and Moran's performance is sold out, a free dance party presented by DJ Rich Medina and The Marksmen will be taking place afterward. You can visit the Kennedy Center's site for more info.

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